Albanian Riviera: The Secret Mediterranean Paradise

Unfortunately for her bank account, Senior Editor Caroline Morse is powerless to resist a good flight deal. Follow her on Twitter @CarolineMorse1 and Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's jumped out of planes and off bridges in the pursuit of a good story (and an adrenaline rush). She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and checking out the dining and nightlife scenes in hot cities.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

What has clear water, beaches, and seafood to rival Italy or France’s rivieras, but doesn’t attract nearly as many tourists or command the same sky-high prices? It’s the Albanian Riviera, and it has a lot to offer bargain-hungry travelers.

Drive the recently renovated coastal road for amazing views, and stop in the many cute seaside villages along the way. End or begin the drive at Llogara National Park, where you can see golden eagles, black pines, and even castles.

You’ll have a wealth of beaches to choose from along the coast, but if you’re really in search of the sun, Borsh has has the warmest climate.

Where Is it? Albania’s coast. Fly to Croatia’s international Dubrovnik Airport (check prices) and rent a car to cover the last 300 miles on land.